Harris Wolobah, 14, 10th grader from Massachusetts, DIES after participating in viral ‘One Chip Challenge’ on TikTok – first death amid viral craze

A 10th grader has died suddenly after taking part in the viral ‘One Chip Challenge’ and eating what was reportedly the world’s spiciest chip.

Accordingly NBC Boston, Harris Wolobah died the same day he took part in the One Chip Challenge online trend. Harris was from Worcester, Massachusetts and was only 14 years old at the time of his death.

On September 1, the boy’s mother was called to school when Harris complained of abdominal pain. He had eaten the dangerously spicy chip after it was given to him by a classmate.

The young teen got better after going home, but passed out at 4:30 p.m. as he was about to leave for basketball tryouts.

In conversation with the Worcester TelegramPolice Lt. Sean Murtha said the boy was unresponsive and not breathing. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

While Harris’ death is the first reported death after eating the chips, many other children have required medical attention after eating the chips.

Harris Wolobah, 14, died hours after eating a spicy tortilla chip as part of the “One Chip Challenge,” a social media trend that has garnered billions of views on TikTok. The Massachusetts teenager was a talented athlete who was described by his family as “a light that lit the room.”

Harris complained of abdominal pain after eating the chip provided by a classmate. Hours later he appeared to be fine, but as he was about to leave for basketball practice, he suddenly collapsed

In October 2022, a school district in Lafayette, Louisiana forbidden the chips from all campuses after several students required medical attention.

Paramedics arrived less than a month later called to a high school in Dunwood, Georgia, prompting police to issue a warning about the snack.

The One Chip Challenge is a marketing campaign centered around a single tortilla chip, touted as the world’s spiciest.

The challenge has garnered numerous followers on social media, with the #onechipchallenge tag garnering over two billion views on TikTok.

The chip has been manufactured by Paqui since 2016 and is the product of Texas-based Amplify Snack Brands, which was acquired by The Hershey Company in 2017.

A new flavor is released every year and the 2023 edition will be available on Amazon from August 9th. While fewer than ten ingredients are listed, two stand out in particular: the California Reaper Pepper and the Naga Viper Pepper.

With up to 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), the California Reaper Pepper was officially voted the hottest pepper in the world Scoville scale. The Naga Viper Pepper was just below at 1,382,118 SHUs.

The scale measures the strength of different peppers in relation to capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Pure capsaicin has 16 million Scoville units.

The 2023 edition of the One Chip Challenges features a tortilla chip flavored with two of the hottest peppers around, the California Reaper Pepper and the Naga Viper Pepper. The California Reaper is considered the hottest pepper in the world

Paqui, the maker of the chip, encourages people to test their physical limits. Anyone who can endure the searing pain for up to an hour without eating or drinking earns the title of Apex Predator.

The single chip comes in a coffin-shaped box with a red skull on it.

A warning The label on the promotional page reads: ‘Keep out of the reach of children.’ Intended for adult consumption.’

The site encourages people to see a doctor if they experience complications such as trouble breathing, fainting, or “persistent nausea.”

Paqui has launched an advertising campaign asking people to test whether they can take the pain.

A graphic on the website reads, “How long can you last before spiraling?” and features an image of a grim reaper grabbing a snake.

Anyone who cannot eat or drink for an hour to combat the heat is considered an apex predator.

It remains unclear if the sharp chip contributed to Harris’ death and an autopsy is pending.

On September 3rd, Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Worcester Public Schools Superintendent, issued a statement released to Worcester Public Schools website.

She dubbed the teenager a “rising star.”

Other children required medical care after completing the challenge, including high school students from Louisiana and Georgia

The teen’s high school, Doherty Memorial High, released a statement from the district chairperson, who described him as a “rising star” and drew the attention of students and faculty to grief counseling services

Harris’ cousin Tashia Roberts organized a fundraiser after the boy’s death. She hoped donations could cover funeral expenses to ease his parents’ financial burden

“As a mother and guardian, I can’t imagine how hard this is for his family, friends and teachers. “My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him,” Monárrez wrote.

“The Worcester community comes together at the most difficult of times, and this is one of those times. May we remain focused on allowing the grieving and healing process to take place during this difficult time.”

A GoFundMe The fundraiser was started by Tashia Roberts, the boy’s cousin, the day after his death with a goal of $30,000.

At the time of writing, over $20,000 had already been raised.

“The pain our family is going through is unimaginable.” “Harris was a light, illuminating the room with his presence and subtle charm,” she wrote.

The teenager has been described as intelligent, quirky and talented with a passion for video games and basketball.

“Our family plans to bring Harris to rest in the coming weeks, so I hope that with the help of this compassionate community we can raise enough funds to ease the burden of funeral expenses on his parents and siblings at this incredibly difficult time.” time,” Roberts said.